Emma Lambie was instructed to represent RC in a serious criminal matter at Chelmsford Crown Court. RC had spent 16 months on remand before Emma was brought onto the case just two weeks prior to trial.
The prosecution alleged that our client was knowingly involved in the importation of 116.54 kg of cocaine, with an estimated street value of £7.9 million, which was discovered secreted within the rear doors of a refrigerated lorry.
Upon instruction, Emma acted swiftly, visiting RC in custody on multiple occasions and immediately reviewing the case materials. It quickly became apparent that key evidence, including downloads from two mobile phones seized at the time of arrest, had not been requested by previous solicitors. Emma ensured this material was obtained and arranged for it to be translated, which proved crucial to the defence. A new defence statement was prepared to reflect our clients instructions, correcting inaccuracies in earlier documents.
Thanks to the urgent and thorough preparation, and the outstanding advocacy of Ruth Zentler-Munro of 15 New Bridge Street Chambers, the jury returned a unanimous not guilty verdict after only 14 minutes of deliberation. Our client was immediately released from custody and reunited with his family.
